The only way is up for PNE new boy

Preston North End new boy Calum Woods knows exactly what it is like to win promotion from League One while working under Simon Grayson.

The versatile star, who can play in defence and midfield, was an integral member of the successful Huddersfield Town team which earned a place in the Championship two years ago.

They won the right to promotion after defeating Sheffield United on penalties in the play-off final, after the match at Wembley had ended 0-0 after extra time.

Woods sees no reason why he cannot help Grayson and his assistant Glynn Snodin repeat that same success this year with Preston.

North End – who take on Notts County today at Deepdale on the opening day of the new season – went mightily close to achieving their promotion aim last season before bowing out to Rotherham United in the play-off semi-finals.

The 27-year-old – who made nearly 50 appearances for the Terriers in the second tier of English football – admits he has no intention of staying outside of the Championship for too long.

“I got promoted with the gaffer and Snods at Huddersfield,” Woods said.

“Obviously, that was a great feeling and it’s definitely something I want to do again, especially here at this great club.

“Doing it on penalties was a bit nerve-wracking, so I definitely prefer to do it automatically if possible.

“But obviously the target this season is to go one further than what the club did last season.

“As players you don’t really feel the pressure – you just get on with the games.

“But we want to start the season well so we get the points on the board early doors which will help us.”

Woods was one of North End’s first signings of the summer and he did not have to think twice about linking up with Grayson again, once his contract at Huddersfield had wound down at the end of last season.

“Obviously I worked with the manager and Snods at Hudderfield, so I already knew what they were all about.

“It was a couple of days after the season had finished – I knew I was out of contract at Huddersfield – and my agent said there was a bit of interest in me here and there.

“I didn’t get told until right at the end of the season that Huddersfield weren’t going to offer me a new contract.

“But as soon as I knew about the interest from here, I jumped at the chance to come here.

“Pre-season has been great and I seem to have settled really right in. All the lads have been great.”

l PNE’s new home kit sponsored By Virgin Trains went on sale this morning at the official club shop. The strip is a classic all-white shirt with a buttoned collar, navy blue shorts and hooped socks.